This follows the first exports to China this month of a formula branded a2 Platinum in a partnership between Synlait Milk and A2 Corporation.
Synlait Milk general manager nutritionals Tony McKenna says on current projections a2 milk from certified herds will grow to be 8% of the company’s supply.
The a2 milk contains only the A2 version of the beta casein protein which the company says more resembles the protein mothers naturally produce than other versions of the beta casein protein found in standard milk.
Synlait Milk will begin processing a2 milk from 10 suppliers in August and will further expand production to meet the requirements of A2 Corporation when a2 Platinum infant formula becomes available to mothers in New Zealand and Australia later this year.
“Synlait is unique in the way our supply base is structured to deliver the right type of milk to meet specialised demand,” says McKenna. “Our plant is also unique in that we can keep specialised milks separate and process each run to meet exacting specifications for high value end products.
“Our suppliers are some of New Zealand’s best. They are progressive and innovative in their approach with modern, large scale farms that allow them to easily isolate and segregate a2 herds.
“We expect many of our suppliers to achieve the internationally accredited ISO 65 certification through our ‘Lead with Pride’ programme…. Those suppliers will be the first in Australasia to gain ISO 65 accreditation.”
A2 and Synlait have been working together for 18 months on the production of a2 Platinum infant formula and other a2 ingredients.
